News spreads quickly

It didn’t take long for news about Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright’s elbow injury to hit Reds camp.

“Wainwright, gone,” one Reds player said loudly as he walked into the clubhouse this morning.

The Cardinals told reporters in Florida that Wainwright’s injury was “significant” and he went back to St. Louis to be examined. Obviously, if he needs season-ending surgery, it would be a huge blow to the Cardinals’ chances and naturally, a boost that would help the Reds.

“I hate to see that,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “He’s not only a great pitcher, he seems like a fine young man too. Every time I’ve seen him, he’s been mannerable, polite and respectful.”

Even Baker’s 12-year-old son, Darren, had to spread the news. Before going to school, Darren called his father’s office from his home in Sacramento.

“Significant, huh? All right my son, thanks for the tip,” Baker said to his son over the phone.

“That’s my scout right there,” Baker said.

Other items from the morning:

*The Reds are taking live BP and Aroldis Chapman is among the listed pitchers throwing. I will try to get some video of that scene. Live BP is one those times I really value my job and the access my credential affords. In the past I’ve been able to go right up to the cage and watch. That’s where I saw Chapman last year and hitters talking to each other trying to make sense of what they saw for the first time. Even pitchers that don’t throw very hard are impressive to watch. It’s something you never ever get to see once the games really start.

*Baker said that Jonny Gomes is leaner and trimmer and might get the chance to run more. Gomes was big on going from first to third last season

*A St. Louis reporter is here today and asked if the Reds-Cardinals rivalry had ursurped the more famous Cubs-Cardinals rivalry. Baker didn’t seem to think so.

“Rivalries remain the same but new rivalries pop up periodically depending on what’s happened and who’s good and getting better at the time,” Baker said. “I remember when I was with the Dodgers, it was us and the Reds. Then when the Big Red Machine started dismantling, it became us and Houston with Nolan, J.R. and those guys. I remember just one skirmish with the Reds. Pete was on Bobby Welch for something and Monday said something to Pete. Pete came over to our dugout at third base and said ‘why don’t you shut me up.'”

“Mario [Soto] and I almost had it out a couple of times. He hit on the elbow twice – once in spring training and once in the season. I said hit me one more time and we’re going to have it out.”

Of course, Soto is now with the Reds in the front office and as a roving pitching instructor

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7 Comments

He may not agree, but I think the rivalry will be even more heated this season than last season. Cards players and fans still remember Cueto’s actions and I do very much believe they’ll go after him. How, I don’t know, but I think the’ll beam him in the side, at least. Depending on what happens this year, I definitely think the Reds/Cards rivalry could become more intense than the Cubs/Cards rivarly. It’s just that the Cubs have been irrelevant for a while and now the Reds are coming back. Whether or temporary or not between the Reds/Cards, it’s here.

Totally classless and unacceptable to throw at another teams pitcher. VERY stupid too, especially against this team..that’s a great way to have your pitcher smacked with a 105 mph fastball. Then when he’s hurt you have noone to blame but yourself. While I will never cheer for a player to get hurt, it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy. Wainwright is the epitome of why everyone else in the league considers the Cards a whiney bunch of babies.. I think the Cards will still be ok without him though. Going to be a heck of a season for this division.

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